Jayne Gautreau

About: Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Jayne has lived in Douglas County since 2007. She met her husband at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago when she came over to study as an exchange student in 1998. They married in Northern Ireland in December 2000, but have made their home in the United States ever since.

Jayne is a tea-drinking, chocolate-loving mama, which helps her to “keep calm and carry on.” Being a mom has brought some challenges her way, but it is also shaping her into the person she was created to be, as she learns and grows along the way.

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This teacher has taught several children with Autism throughout the years and her letter was inspired by them.

The letter was posted on her personal blog and since has gone viral.

As a mother of a child with Autism, I wanted to write a response to the teacher’s post – to share my heart as a mother who has a child in a special education program.

Dear Teacher,

As I read through your letter, the emotions started to well up. I kept thinking you understand my child.

Oh the joy and relief I felt as I read your letter, you described my son.

Why is it so important for us to feel you understand?

When our son started showing signs of Autism, I knew in my heart that something was different, but to actually go to that place of accepting was very hard – it was frightening.

I was dealing with something that I wasn't prepared for and honestly, did not understand.

As I started to navigate the maze of diagnosis, therapy, IEP’s and just coming to terms with my son's diagnosis, I realized I had entered a daunting world.

I spent nights researching and trying to make sense of this new world we had now entered.

I talked with other parents and tried to educate myself as much as was possible.

In all of this, trying to figure out how we could help our child. Thankfully along the way we have met people similar to you – willing to help.

It is hard for me to send my son off to school every day; it is a huge relief when we have teachers like you.

Teachers who know what to look out for with our children and most of all respect them for who they are and appreciate their differences. Teachers who understand their potential and want them to excel and succeed.

Thank you for taking the time to understand Autism and appreciating the things in our children that can often be overwhelming to us and others.

As a teacher, you set an example and tone in your classroom. We have worked so hard therefore it encourages us when we see you partnering to enrich what has already been done.

When my child was diagnosed our goal was to help him succeed and be the best he could despite his diagnosis.

We believe God has a plan and purpose for his life.

Thank you for accepting him and treating him as an individual and seeing over the challenges.

Thank you for reminding me what a beautiful blessing our son is to us.